Chapter 5 Ren Monroe

Theo's guess proved accurate.

A letter arrived in the morning. Ren was invited to work with a group of spellmakers. It was precisely the sort of work she'd craved in undergrad. Research and development. New spells that stretched modern thought about what magic could do. It stung that the invitation was a trap, but at least the bars of her cage were bright, golden things.

Theo read the letter twice. "I didn't expect my father to be this kind. Clearly, he thought you'd turn down anything less to go with me to the mountains. It's a compliment, I suppose. He thinks you're loyal to me. At least this means you will be happy."

Ren heard the bitterness in his voice. The implication was that he would suffer in exile while she went happily about her work in Kathor. She doubted that would be the case. She would likely be surrounded by men and women who were loyal to House Brood. Her every move would be watched. Still, it was better than being shipped off to the middle of nowhere. She genuinely pitied Theo. This wasn't just their bond tugging at her sympathy. His family had gone too far. Bad enough to exile him, but to humiliate him in front of the city's most powerful people? She thought what they'd done was unnecessarily cruel, and that might be very useful to her.

"Are you traveling by waxway?" she asked.

Theo actually shivered. "After what happened last year? No."

"Carriage?"

"I'm not that antiquated. My father arranged a method of travel that I am far more comfortable with." He smirked. It looked like the expression she'd seen on his face out in the Dires—before everyone started dying. "I am traveling by wyvern to Nostra."

Ren actually laughed. "Really? You're not comfortable with the waxways, but you'll take a wyvern? After…" She gestured to the scars that barely peeked out above the V in his shirt.

"I doubt this one will attempt to kill me."

"You're a brave soul."

"It's not bravery. It's logic," he answered. "I haven't used the waxways because I still don't understand what happened to Clyde. It wasn't logical. How he died… it doesn't make sense. I have no answers to that particular mystery. That's why it scares me. The wyvern attacked because we were passing through its territory. It acted logically. Logic, I can handle."

Ren tried to rein her thoughts in. There were several secrets that loomed between them. Some that she would need to reveal eventually, if she was going to convince Theo to take up her cause and fight his own family at her side. But there were other secrets that she could never reveal—for fear of destroying everything. It was Ren's fault they'd been pulled into the wilderness last year. Her spell had merged their distances and locations. It was also likely that her spell had placed Clyde at the mercy of the waxways. She'd effectively killed him. In a way, she was responsible for all the deaths that happened in the wilderness.

Theo was frowning at her. She'd given those thoughts—and the tangled emotions that went with them—far too much room to breathe. He was feeling those feelings across their bond. She snuffed them out before whispering, "It's just hard to imagine being alone again."

As always, he accepted her answer. Trusted her word.

"You won't be alone. Your mother is here. You'll have new work to focus on."

"You know what I mean. Your family hasn't embraced me. There's no help for me in those circles. Any event or gala or dinner they host—I'll be alone. I won't have you as my shield."

He warmed to that notion. She knew he would. Being painted as the hero always had its appeal. "I'll be working night and day to figure out how to solve this. And we can arrange for you to come out and visit. You won't be alone. I promise, Ren."

Outside, there was movement. Ren buttoned her coat and followed Theo. The wyvern landed with no more than a gentle thud. The quiet was a trick. As they walked forward, she saw the creature was nearly twice the size of the one they'd encountered in the wild. A helmet had been fashioned on its head. Blinders, she remembered, to keep the creature focused on the intended destination.

The rider wore a thick coat, round-rimmed goggles, and the padded leggings she'd often seen equestrians wear. He offered Theo a simple nod, like the two of them had met a hundred times before. Ren was even more surprised by Theo's casual approach. He went straight for the pouches dangling against the creature's flank. He stuffed his belongings inside, cinched each pack, and turned back to face Ren.

"Not your first time, then," she said. "Flying a wyvern."

He smiled at her. "I told you I wanted to fly them when I was a boy. My father permitted it, because he thought a real flight would terrify me. He was wrong. I only wanted it more after that."

Ren could see the parallel he was trying to draw to this moment, to his feelings for her. She didn't point out that his father had succeeded. Theo was not a wyvern flier. His metaphor did not bode well for their chances. Instead of speaking those thoughts, she did what was expected. She stumbled into his embrace. They held each other tight as the great creature shifted on its haunches. Theo pulled far enough away to kiss her forehead.

"I'm not leaving you alone."

She snorted, but before she could point out that he was literally doing just that, there was a flutter of movement in the air. Claws sank painfully into her right shoulder. Vega imitated a ruffle of feathers before going stone-still in her usual pose. Theo grinned at Ren's expression.

"You'll have time to get used to her landings. I decided that Vega will stay with you."

Ren stared at him. "Theo. No. Take her. You'll be without half your spells."

"So? I'm defending a mountain pass that has not been attacked in more than a century, Ren. I am going to be bored beyond belief. I've already made a list. I'll work on adding those spells to my other vessel. Besides, this way, you're not alone. I'll feel better if Vega is here with you."

The bird's claws tightened on Ren's shoulder. It was a sort of confirmation. The stone creature had no intention of disobeying Theo's command. She felt an unexpected turn of emotions. He'd guessed her fear and had chosen to do the one thing he could to counter it. He was weakening himself to strengthen her. It was an unexpected boon. Ren nodded her thanks. Theo offered one more unreadable look before sweeping forward. He embraced her again, but before he could pull away she caught him by the collar. She kissed him. Normally, it was the other way around. Not this time. It was just a whisper of a thing, and then he turned around in a swirl of cloaks.

Ren felt absurdly like one of those characters in romantic novels as she watched the rider reach down. Theo accepted the offered hand, moving his feet along built-in footholds; then he was up on the creature's back saddle. He waved down to her like he was riding off to war. Ren couldn't help waving back. Why not? She'd already tied her entire future to him. Might as well send him off in style. There was a clinical nature to what came next. Compared to the wild creature that had attacked them in the mountains, this wyvern was a docile thing. It responded to every command with neat efficiency, turning, spreading its wings. Ren heard the sound of a tongue click, and they launched breathlessly into the air. She was gusted back a few steps, but she stood there, offering Theo one final glimpse, as the creature soared free of the Heights—beyond the city proper.

When she was certain he was gone, Ren marched back inside.

She had packed a bag too. She had a plan of her own.

Somewhere in the city below, there was a boat she needed to be on.

Her mother's house was the only place Ren felt certain that Landwin Brood was not watching. She'd set magical charms to monitor infiltration, and all of them were still intact. At least in here, she was free to act and speak without fear of being heard.

As she entered, she heard laughter. The sound had her pausing midstride. That was not her mother's laugh. Ren stood there in the doorway, unsure of how to announce her presence.

Eventually she decided on making tea. The kettle offered a loud clank when she set it on the stove. She got the fire burning. The voices—free and bright a moment before—were now hushed behind her mother's door. Ren let the tea start to scream before removing it, pouring two steaming cups. Ren had sent word ahead about this visit. The letter had included a few requests from her mother's contacts down at the docks. Had she not received the note? And if she had, why would she have someone over?

Ren hadn't thought much, over the years, about the company her mother might be keeping. It was only natural for her to seek companionship. Roland Monroe had died nearly a decade ago. It would be unfair to expect her to spend the rest of her life alone. Ren had spoken that very truth to her mother a dozen times. Still, when they emerged from the back room, Ren's mother looked embarrassed. The man she was with did not.

"Ahh. Here she is. Finally," he said, all confidence. "The brilliant daughter. Your mother speaks about you at all hours of the day."

"Surely, not all hours," Ren threw back, eyeing the bedroom door. "Nor in all places."

Her mother shot her a warning look. If she hadn't given up using magic a few years ago, Ren would have thought she'd just cast a spell. Under the heat of that look, Ren averted her eyes, pretending to stir her tea. "My apologies," she said stiffly. "That was… untoward."

The man lifted one eyebrow at her use of that word. It was a handsome eyebrow. He was a handsome man. A few years older than her mother. Just as fit as her. Shaped by hard work, whether at the docks or somewhere else. He was slender as a knife. Ren hadn't realized how tall he was until he stooped into the living room and fell into an unceremonious sprawl on the cushions against the wall. He was too big for the space, nearly comical looking.

"Mother, I think our pillows shrank."

That had both of them laughing. Her mother rolled her eyes as she took the teas. Ren spoke in a quieter voice. "Did you not receive my letter?"

Her mother bristled. "Of course I did. Everything is arranged. Apologies for having a previous engagement. You know, I do have a life apart from you."

"You don't have anything to apologize for," Ren answered quickly. "Other than the fact that you're stealing my cup of tea."

Her mother grinned. "Guests come first."

Ren crossed the room, fetching another cup. She didn't have time for lengthy conversations. She poured herself just enough to get through the morning and then crossed the room to join them. Her mother sat a respectable distance away, but Ren suspected the two of them would be cuddled together against the cushions if she weren't there. She saw it written in the way their bodies, even now, bent toward each other. A strange storm of emotions turned around in Ren's mind. Her mother deserved to be happy. Deserved to smile and flirt and do whatever she pleased. That did not change the fact that the presence of any man in this place would always point to her father's absence.

The guest offered his hand. Ren shook it.

"I'm Harlow. Your mother and I are friends."

"Good friends, I see," Ren shot back, making him smile. "It's nice to meet you, Harlow. I can't believe my mother has kept you a secret. You look rather hard to hide."

That earned another snort from him.

"If you don't mind, I need to speak with her. Alone."

He held up both hands to say, Of course. "I've got to get to my shift."

Ren watched as he leaned over, pecked a quick kiss on her mother's forehead, and then sauntered to the front door. She noted that he was comfortable enough to take the mug with him. No doubt her mother wouldn't mind him coming back to return it. Ren waited for the rattling click of the door before turning to her mother.

"Ren, look, I'm sorry…"

"Oh, I don't care about that. He seems handsome enough. I'm sorry to cut your morning short. I really do need to get moving. You've arranged everything?"

Her mother took a sip. "I have, but I need to know why you're traveling so far."

"I have to do some research in Ravinia."

"Research? Your letter said that you don't want to be listed on the ship's manifest. What kind of research would require such privacy?"

Ren had dreaded this. Her mother was no fool. She was, after all, the primary source of Ren's own intelligence. "Research that I don't want the Broods to know about."

Her mother pursed her lips—clearly disapproving—but nodded.

"I've set out a cloak in your room. Go and put it on. We'll want to make sure any of the Broods' spies mark your route."

Ren frowned. "We? Mother. Just tell me which ship to go on. You don't have to—"

"Please, I am not letting you travel alone. Not after what happened last year."

There was no room for argument in her mother's tone. This was not up for debate. And what, really, could Ren have said? It's too dangerous for you to come, Mother. That would only make her want to come even more. The truth was that Ren didn't know what waited for her in Ravinia. She had no idea if she could find the people she was looking for or if the old crone's rumors were even true. But she'd heard a story about someone who had a bone to pick with House Brood. Here, in Kathor, she'd found no such harbor. No one that dared to help. None of the major houses had even engaged in introductory conversations with her. Dahvid Tin'Vori might be her best chance to gain a proper ally.

"Fine," Ren said. "Does your suitor know you're leaving?"

"He'll survive," her mother replied. "Speaking of suitors, where is yours? Usually he's following you around with his tail wagging."

Ren sighed. "He left this morning. It's a long boat ride. I'll explain when we're on board."

"Explanations. Secrets. Yes, this all sounds very safe already."

She got that motherly touch of snark in before whipping back into her bedroom, gathering the necessities for travel. Ren obeyed her mother's instructions, sliding into the bright red cloak she'd set out. As she did, a gnawing discomfort began to grow in her stomach. She had the same feeling she'd had when she first landed in that dark forest. She'd rolled over on her side and found Timmons sprawled impossibly beside her. Even though she'd only intended to bring Theo and Clyde into the wilderness, her friend had been drawn in by the same spell. It was an accident, but it was Ren's fault. And that moment had wound inevitably to Timmons's death.

Most of the time, Ren could compartmentalize. Carefully set emotions aside in order to complete the task at hand. It was one of her strengths. But that did not mean the emotions weren't there. She felt them, pooling in the darkest corner of her mind. All of the grief and pain and shame over what happened last year. For now, her barriers were holding. She knew they would break, however, if she ended up drawing her mother into a similar danger. She'd have to move quickly in Ravinia, find out if the rumors were true, and return home before the Broods took note of her absence. She just hoped she'd chosen the right trail to follow. Her plans depended on it.